WEDDINGS / PARTIES
My best friend is getting married this summer, and there will be a big party with an extravagant dinner at a great venue. She talks about nothing but her wedding. Of course, as her best friend, I'll be at the wedding and am very excited, but the dinner worries me. How can I get a 100% gluten-free meal at the wedding, without fear of hidden or residual gluten, and without complicating my friend's happiest day? She's already so busy with all the preparations and doesn't have the mental space for such issues. Weddings can be exciting, but they can also be stressful for guests like me who need to eat gluten-free. Even though it's my best friend's wedding, I felt it was okay to talk to the bride about the food beforehand. Of course, in all the excitement, she didn't think about arranging a gluten-free meal for me! But that's not a problem. She gave me the venue's contact details, and I then directly contacted the caterer to ask what options would be feasible for me. Most catering companies are now used to handling special dietary requests, including gluten-free. So, I can only recommend that if the bride and groom have already put together a menu, just ask the caterer what will be served and how it can be modified to be gluten-free. For example, you should ask if the main course will have a breading or sauce? If so, could you ask for a piece of meat to be set aside for you and cooked in a clean pan? Or you could eat beforehand if there's a champagne reception before the actual meal and there are gluten-free snacks like vegetables, shrimp, or cheese to nibble on. If the food absolutely cannot be prepared gluten-free, or if you don't feel comfortable after talking to the caterer, it's better to plan a larger meal in advance and then bring snacks with you to tide you over during the meal at the party. If you're concerned about feeling left out when it's time for coffee and cake, also plan to bring a sweet, gluten-free treat so you can also enjoy the big celebration! The caterer will surely be happy to beautifully arrange your brought-in dishes.
TRAVELING / ON THE GO
What should you do if you've booked a short break or want to plan a city trip for the weekend? Eating gluten-free at home is already a challenge. But how do you deal with it and what should you pay attention to when you're traveling?
Outings of any kind, especially those involving overnight stays and meals out, can be a cause for concern for anyone wanting to eat gluten-free. Almost every airline now offers gluten-free meals, which can be pre-booked via the airline's website. If the trip is organized by a tour operator, simply call them and ask which restaurants will be visited on the trip and at which hotel you'll be staying. If the restaurants have gluten-free options, just ask if you can choose a menu in advance. In many cities, there are now various communities that can help you find restaurants that have an extensive selection of gluten-free dishes. It's best to search on Google or Facebook. Often there are local coeliac support groups that you can contact for recommendations.
It certainly doesn't hurt to bring an "emergency bag" with snacks and non-perishable meals, in case the availability of gluten-free food is very limited. Gluten-free pretzels, energy bars, popcorn, or some fruits are easy to transport. Many hotels or guesthouses have microwaves for guests, so they can heat up gluten-free meals. Many accommodations now also offer gluten-free bread for breakfast. Here you just have to be careful that it hasn't been contaminated, as it often comes into contact with gluten-containing bread, the same cutting board is used, and the toaster is used for all types of bread. However, yogurt, fruit and vegetables, boiled eggs, cheese, and gluten-free muesli with milk can be a good gluten-free option to start the day energetically, even on vacation.
AT FRIENDS' HOUSES
Summer is the time for cozy barbecue evenings. Many friends and acquaintances like to invite people over to their patio or balcony for a delicious BBQ. But what should you pay attention to if you want to eat gluten-free?
With a little planning, a cozy barbecue evening with friends and acquaintances can be enjoyed carefree again. It's best to talk to your hosts beforehand, briefly explain the situation, and educate them about the basic avoidance of cross-contamination. Whether it's the herb baguette, the salad dressing, or the barbecue tongs. The danger of hidden gluten being carried over lurks everywhere. To be absolutely sure, you can bring your own gluten-free food to enjoy without worry. Especially salad with your own dressing, potatoes without spice mixes, and your own barbecue sauces. For those with a sweet tooth – also think of something sweet for a successful conclusion. If this is too much effort for you and you trust your host enough, you should still pay attention to a few rules, such as putting unseasoned, unmarinated meat on the grill and only seasoning it with salt and pepper before eating. Even if it's not sexy, bring a grilling foil or trays and ask the host to put your meat or vegetables only on your foil on the shared grill, so you can enjoy all the grilled flavor without the risk of cross-contamination. Bring a gluten-free bun, be careful with side dishes like baked beans or salads that can contain hidden gluten, for example in croutons. Avoid vegetarian burgers, as many contain wheat. For ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise in squeeze bottles, simply check the ingredient list to be sure they don't contain gluten. For drinks, look for gluten-free beer or enjoy a good wine.
So don't let the joy of eating be taken away from you, and don't be afraid to discover the world. With a little planning, good preparation, and one or two tricks and aids, you can reduce the risk of hidden gluten and cross-contamination.
Your Lisa
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Fighting hidden gluten